July 8th marks the beginning of dog training season on any land in Michigan, a time I eagerly anticipate each year. From April 16 to July 7, dogs are restricted to leash-only except in designated Dog Training Areas registered with the State (even on private land!). This past week, I dedicated three days to training in the stunning landscape of Northern Michigan, where the crisp morning air gives way to rising temperatures, making those early starts essential.
My days began at 5:45 AM, ensuring we were in the field by 6:15 AM. Training three dogs is no small feat, requiring meticulous planning and setup time for each session. I focused on reinforcing steady to wing and shot, a critical skill where the dog must remain still until sent for the retrieve. My 16-month-old Brittany, Tika, has mastered being steady to the wing but occasionally breaks on the shot. This weekend's goal was to address this behavior.
Through years of experience and research, I've found several key practices crucial for training a dog to be steady to wing and shot:
1. Foundation of Pointing and Obedience: Before introducing steadiness, ensure your dog has a solid foundation in pointing and basic obedience. The dog should naturally hold point, pausing before attempting to catch the bird. This behavior must be strong before moving on to steadiness training.
2. Steady to Flush: Begin by steadying your dog to flush and teaching your dog to stay still as the bird takes flight. This step involves getting the dog comfortable with your presence as you approach and flush the bird without causing the dog to break. Take your time. Stomp around, kicking the grass and brush. Teach your dog it cannot move a paw while you are flushing the bird. Tip-up bird releasers or bird launchers are required during this phase. We do not want a bird flying until we have proven the dog will not move while attempting to flush. Use good flying birds to teach the dog that birds cannot be caught.
3. Steady to Wing: Progress to teaching the dog to remain still as the bird flies. This can be challenging as the predatory instinct to chase is strong. Using a long lead while launching birds to restrain the dog can help reinforce this behavior. Consistent practice and a gradual increase in difficulty will build the dog's self-control. Do not shoot a bird until the dog is perfectly steady to wing.
4. Steady to Shot: Introduce the shot once the dog is steady to wing. This step requires the dog to stay still as you shoot, which can be simulated using a primer pistol or a shotgun. The goal is to have the dog remain steady even as the excitement increases with the firing of the gun. Practicing with different firing patterns and intensities helps the dog to maintain focus. Again, do not shoot the bird until your dog is perfectly steady while hearing multiple shots as the bird flies away. Finally, shoot birds, but make sure the dog remains steady even when seeing the birds fall.
5. Maintaining Steadiness: Regular practice is crucial to maintaining steadiness. Dogs should be kept in consistent training environments, and you should avoid running them with other dogs that are not steady. A steady dog should also not be placed in situations that might undo their training. Continual evaluation and adjustments to training methods based on the dog's progress are necessary to keep the training effective.
This past weekend, I was by myself. Training solo presents its challenges, especially when reinforcing steadiness. Ideally, a helper would assist, but I've learned to manage on my own. To reinforce Tika's steadiness, I employed my 209 primer pistol, firing in an unpredictable pattern: BANG... BANG BANG... BANG BANG BANG at a single bird. This inconsistency simulates real hunting scenarios and tests the dog's resolve. I shot blanks at well fling birds, until my dog is perfectly steady. Then I move to wing-clipped birds. Again, I’m firing multiple shots BANG BANG... BANG... BANG BANG BANG. If the dog remains steady, she is rewarded with the retrieve since the birds cannot fly and only go as far as I can throw them.
I also used my 12-gauge shotgun, intentionally missing the first two shots—BOOM, BOOM—and then hitting the bird on the third—BOOM. This method requires keen attention to both dog and bird, but it effectively reinforces the training. Throughout the three days, my primary focus remained on steadiness, though I made corrections for other behaviors as needed.
Over the years, I've learned that training dogs demands a consistent, repetitive approach coupled with patience and positive reinforcement. I reward every good behavior and immediately correct any unwanted behavior by gently but firmly guiding the dog back to its original position with a firm WHOA.
By the weekend's end, Tika showed significant improvement. The challenging environment of Northern Michigan served as a reminder of the dedication required in dog training. Those early mornings, careful planning, and unwavering focus on positive reinforcement paid off, resulting in a more disciplined and responsive companion.
As I packed up to head home, I couldn't help but reflect on our progress. Each training session strengthens the bond between a hunter and their dog, forged through hours of meticulous work and mutual trust. This journey has taught me that patience truly is a virtue in dog training.
The ultimate goal remains: a perfect hunting companion, steady to wing and shot, ready for the field. But I've come to appreciate that the journey itself—those quiet mornings in the field, the small victories, and even the setbacks—is just as rewarding as the destination.
As I look forward to the upcoming hunting season, I'm filled with anticipation not just for the hunt itself, but for the opportunity to see Tika put her training into practice. It's a testament to the enduring partnership between humans and dogs, a relationship that continues to enrich my life even after decades in the field.